Car Shudder - Camshaft or Flywheel?

[gopikrsna925]

Hello guys,

I'm struggling to find an answer to the above question even from the garages. I need some expert advise, please.

Car: Focus 1.8 TDCI 2007 FWD

Problem: There is a vibration/shuddering coming from the engine area throughout the whole car while only on load. This can be noticed at speeds of around 40mph in any gear. It just feels like I'm driving at 40mph on a 30mph road like that nearly stalling feeling. However, If I put my foot down, then at speeds above 70mph it gets minimal.

The problem is exactly same as the one shown in the below Youtube video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0b4pzjrPao

Observation: Car coasts fine across all speeds. Gears can be changed smoothly, no burning smell and no rattling sound. Occasionally, putting in gear 1 can be hard. The car has power and no black smoke from the exhaust. 2 injectors have a leak, seals need doing, however, injector specialist confirmed this will not cause vibration. The car does have a higher biting point and almost all mechanics stalled initially. Upon writing a letter to the previous owner to find out the car history, he confirmed he changed the Clutch+Dual Mass Flywheel (DMF) 6 months ago but he doesn't have the receipt.

Work carried out:
Wheel balancing,
Front Driveshafts changed,
Drop link, ball joint and other bearings and suspension examined, no issues,
Recent new engine mount,
Recent new Clutch+DMF,
Recent new Cam belt change

Theories: I have been to 4 MOT garages and 1 independent elderly mechanic in the North East.
1) 3 garages advised 90% this could be due to the flywheel. These guys drove up to 50mph on a motorway in the car. They advised Flywheel is shaking and after certain speeds, it finds the center of gravity and stays stable hence minimal vibration. They have also advised clutch is starting to slip. After advising them about the recent Clutch+DMF change they advised either it could have failed or the previous owner just lied.
2) 1 garage advised it could be Camshaft issue or DMF issue. They have worked on a couple of cars previously which had similar vibration and it had to do with the Camshaft not working properly. Basically to check if all cylinders getting enough power. This is also the same solution provided by the guy in that Youtube video. They haven't ruled out DMF as the cause. This mechanic drove up to 40mph on my car.
3) Independent elderly mechanic said 99% the DMF is the cause and also the clutch is slipping. He listened to the engine sound while on revs and said engine sounds okay. This mechanic drove up to 50mph on a motorway in my car.

When you hear garages saying they are not sure what the problem is, you can understand how frustrating it is. I need a diesel car because I do 60 miles per day. And all this is causing me stress.

I have narrowed it down to either DMF or Camshaft. I have already spent some money on the repairs and both of these seem to be expensive repairs. I don't want to start with something and spend money just to realise that was not the problem at all.

Could some with experience be able to advise please.

Thanks in advance.

Edited by gopikrsna925 on Sunday 19th March 11:41

[gopikrsna925]

Thanks for the replies.

S0 What said:

I tend to follow the thought that if a vibration happens as a set road speed it's after the clutch, if it happens at a set engine speed it's before the clutch (in terms of how the power travels to the wheels) ?
does the steering feel ok? i have had a diff on the way out feel similar but it used to snatch at the steering when on full lock ?

Thanks for trying to help.

This is a new thought I've not considered previously. So, I have gone for a drive and collected some data:
Vibration | RPM | MPH

1. 2000 35
2. 1750 45
3. 1750 55
4. 1900 60
5. 2250 70

The steering feels normal apart from the vibration caused by the vehicle. Even under vibration steering has a minimal play. No noise or rattle on wheel lock either.

[gopikrsna925]

Thanks guys, I'm still investigating....

[gopikrsna925]

Cheers guys I'm getting Clutch+DMF checked this weekend and if found faulty going to replace them straight away.

Garage guy had checked the drop links and suspension and found they're okay. He did mention wishbone bushes may need changing in future however it may not be the cause of vibration on load. If clutch+DMF looks okay then I have to get all these rechecked again from a different mechanic.

[gopikrsna925]

Hello guys,

I have got both clutch+dmf replaced today with a full Sachs kit. Clutch has become smooother however, the vibration/shudder still present on load around 2000rpm irrespective of the gear.

It is very upsetting to find out the issue is not clutch+dmf related when many mechanics/friends suggested that is the problem.

[gopikrsna925]

No mate but got all injectors sorted.

Now I'm not sure if it's gearbox or crankshaft as only 2 main components left.